Committee approves lowering optional minimum age for school bus drivers from 25 to 23

Representative Sparks explained HB1790 as a measure to ease a statewide shortage of school bus drivers by lowering the minimum age from 25 to 23 and making the change permissive for local education agencies. "This bill is pretty simple. It just lowers the age from 25 to 23," Sparks said, asking for passage.

Several members expressed concern about safety. Representative Bridal said a recent terrible accident in her county left reservations about lowering age requirements, though she acknowledged the bill’s permissive language gives local districts discretion. Representative McCallman said "we're potentially playing with fire" by reducing age limits for people who haul children. Representative Renaud argued age alone is not determinative and praised the compromise, noting that licensed, responsible younger drivers could help staffing shortages.

Representative Mayberry and other members said local districts had signaled support. With questions raised and discussed, the committee voted to pass HB1790, 13 ayes, 2 nos, 1 present-not-voting; the bill advances to the finance committee.

Ending: The committee approved the permissive age reduction; further consideration and implementation will be determined at the local-education level and in subsequent committee work.